Description
The A-22 “frying pan” by Adolph Rickenbacher and George Beauchamp, was the world’s first production electric guitar. They sold their first model A-22 in 1932, thus formally introducing the world to the electric guitar.. and that makes history.
There are several variations of the “frying pan”, which include the A-22 and A-25 models. The A-22, which this guitar is, was slightly shorter than the A-25. The A-22 and A-25 came in silver, aluminum and gold finishes. Hawaiian music was all the rage in the early 20th century. The Hawaiian teenager named Joseph Kekuku is said to have invented the lap steel guitar in the late 19th century. Prior to the 1932 production of the A-22, the guitar was referred to as the Ro-Pat-In Electro Hawaiian Guitar.
Side note… Rickenbacher, later “Rickenbacker”, changed the spelling of his Swedish last name to honor his relative and American WWI hero, Eddie Rickenbacker.
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The A-22 didn’t receive a patent until 1937. The original patent application was filed on June 2, 1934, which dates this model to sometime prior to the patent submission. Once they received notice back from the Patent and Trademark Office, Rickenbacher stamped “Pat Pend.” on various parts of the instrument, which are noticeable through 1934 – 1937. The A-22 was produced between 1932-1939.
This Rickenbacher is likely between 1933 and 1934. I have seen 1932 and some 1933 models with slightly earlier B-### serial numbers. This model is stamped B-208 at the top of the headstock / pegboard.
The condition of this instrument is quite exceptional. There are many examples of the A-22 in instrument museums throughout the US, for example, the Birthplace of Country Music, the Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). The condition of this guitar rivals the condition of the ones exhibited in those museums. It is beautiful.
Condition Report:
The guitar is all original. Nothing has been added or modified. The overall condition is excellent / exceptional.
Aside from minor scratches and wear as seen in the pictures, there are only three things to mention about its condition: Number 1, the colored dot inlays, which this may or may not have ever had, are not present. Number 2, two of the tuner knobs are partially melted. Number 3, the finish in some places is a little tarnished.
The volume control knob is cracked and repaired.
The single-coil horseshoe pickup works well and is clear. The overall volume is not as loud as your typical electric guitar, but not faded either.
The case is original and very interesting. There are very few examples of the A-22 with this particular case. It appears they were sold with at least two different case styles. More commonly you will see the rectangular model. The case has been repaired hastily with black duct tape here and there.
The nameplate on the headstock / pegboard reads: “Rickenbacher Electro – RE – Los Angeles”.
Guitar Size:
- Nut to bridge length: 22 1/2”
- Overall length: 28 3/4”
- Width: 7”
- Depth: 1 5/8”